Survival and inactivation of hepatitis E virus on inanimate surfaces

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis, and mainly transmitted via faecal-oral contamination or consumption of contaminated food products. However, limited data on the surface stability and HEV sensitivity to chemical disinfectants are available.

Aim: To establish an HEV-based carrier assay to evaluate its surface stability and the virucidal activity of nine surface disinfectants.

Methods: A recently developed robust HEV-3 cell culture system for an HEV-based carrier assay.

Findings: Alcohol-based disinfectants were insufficient to eliminate HEV infectivity, whereas disinfectants based on aldehyde, peracetic acid, oxygen, and/or quaternary ammonium inactivated HEV.

Conclusion: These findings have strong implications for the recommendation of evidence-based hygiene guidelines to reduce HEV transmission.